Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches are likely,  naturally triggered avalanches are possible. Wind Slab avalanches in complex terrain remain a concern.  As the next storm enters the area, Southerly wind will reload start zones and create dangerous avalanche conditions. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind Slab remains a concern, especially on isolated pockets of complex terrain. The mid-week storm deposited 2-6 ft of snow depending on location.  Wind drifts, pillows, and wind ribbons could be seen all across the terrain in the Virginia Lakes area. A natural Wind Slab cycle occurred during the storm this week and some start zones have reloaded with snow. All the major start zones had slid, as well as smaller convexities. These areas may have reloaded and are likely ready to slide again. 

    Crown lines on Dunderberg

Avalanche Discussion

Storm totals were impressive this week in the forecast area. The Leavitt lake snotel recorded 6.3" of SWE and Virginia Lakes recorded 2.6" of SWE. Virginia Lakes received much more wind than forecasted and the drifts were bottomless in catchment areas. The Wednesday/Thursday storm produced so much snow it was difficult to travel around in the backcountry. Track tests in small terrain features did not produce results during the storm or on Friday. The snow felt right side up and came in as rain or heavy wet snow. We did not get any shooting cracks or collapsing sounds on our tours. 

Regions covered